“I was blessed to have read this book by Barbara Mezera. How she dealt with depression moved me deeply.”

—Janet W. Gillespie, New York City, New York

“Reading her poems is like having a sneak peek of what’s going on inside someone who is suffering from anxiety and depression. The author shared very valuable insights in understanding how these negative feelings can bring out the worst and best in a person.”

—Lucas Winslow, Orange, California

“My friend recommended this book back when I was depressed and greatly worried of how my life would turn out. I saw myself in the feet of the author and learning how she managed to rise above her evils encouraged me to do the same.”

—Felicia Krueger, Springdale, Arkansas

"Barb – l just had to email you about your book. I started to read it last night and want to say how awesome it To be able to express your feelings had to have been difficult. I guess! we all have had some type of journey in our lives, but what we do with it is what matters. I even found out that you knit and are a quilter - two of my favorite hobbies as well! Thank you for sharing this with us! See you soon....."

—Kathy

"Hi Just wanted you to know i have picked up your book.............only on page B but I find it very intriguing and hard to put down....your poetry shares so much (already) about you......you are very courageous to share it so many. Thank you Barb, Alyce glad you consider me a friend as I do you"

—Alyce Olson

"Barb, Your book was astounding. You were able to put into words just how I feel many days of my life. I admire your courage and faith to change your attitude in the face of many roadblocks. Your honesty was shocking, refreshing and truly way out of your comfort zone. The impact of the book I will probably always feel because i hit so close to home. I started reading it after church and was done before I could go to bed. Now that is spell binding. I hope you reach a large audience because the book is so relevant, positive and faith affirming."

—Judi

About the Book

From Despair to Hope and Healing: One Woman’s Journey in Poem is a compilation of poetic narrations of the struggles and triumphs of Barbara K. Mezera in her battle against depression. In her journey toward healing, she translates her two decades of intense undertakings of winning over anxiety, shyness, and self-doubt, the effects of her depression. Her poems about struggle to find meaning in her family, career, and relationships are written in a series of dark and illuminating pages of poetry as she eventually finds a new hope and healing in her life. She goes out of her comfort zone to share her story as her way of touching the lives of her readers who are going through the same pain.

About the Author

Barbara K. Mezera has a master’s degree in clinical laboratory science and special education. She has been teaching special education to high school students with special needs. In her free time, she travels, reads, knits, and quilts.

From Despair to Hope and Healing

One Woman's Journey in Poem

Barbara K. Mezera

From Despair to Hope and Healing presents a collection of poetry written over two decades by author Barbara Mezera. lt chronicles the journey of a woman struggling to keep her depression under control and searching for meaning in her job, her career, her family, and her relationships.

Although her verses are dark at times, there is always a glimmer of hope that someday she would fit in somewhere, make a difference in someone's life, and find her own fulfillment and enjoyment. The poems are both personal and universal. ln works such as "Final Solution" and "struggling," Mezera captures the loneliness and desolation of depression. She also offe6 poems like '1uly 25, 1986," celebrating the joyous birth of her nephew, and "The Road to Recovery," considering her long climb to hope and healing.

With this collection, Mezera steps outside her comfort zone to share her poetry with the hope that her words may touch and help others who are facing struggles as she has.

Available now from lnspiring Voices

www.inspiringvoices.com

Order this title through your local bookseller

or preferred on-line retailer.

978-1-4624-0837-5 (SC ISBN)

978-1-4624-0838-2 (Ebook ISBN)

La Valle Library News

CONTRIBUTED BY PAM THOMPSON

Author Barbara K. Mezera will speak and read from her book at the La Valle Public Library on Tuesday, January 13, at 6 p.m.

“From Despair to Hope and Healing” presents a collection of poetry written over two decades by Mezera. It Chronicles the journey of a woman struggling to keep her depression under control and searching for meaning in her job, her career, her family, and her relationships.

With this collection, Mezera says she has stepped outside her comfort zone to share her poetry with the hope that her words may touch and help others who are facing struggles as she has.

Mezera was born in southwestern Wisconsin and grew up on a farm. She earned master’s degrees in clinical laboratory science and in special education. She teaches special needs high school students in the Wonewoc-Union Center School District.